Fresh pasta is delicate and requires careful storage to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out or spoiling.
Made with eggs and flour, fresh pasta contains moisture which shortens its shelf life compared to dried pasta, which can be stored for months or even years. Despite this, you can store your fresh pasta for some time.
Fresh pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and in the freezer for 2 months from the date of purchase.
How to Store Fresh Pasta
Here are some tips on how to store your fresh pasta properly:
Refrigerate: Fresh pasta should be stored in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 2 days.
>>Keep the pasta in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.
>>Store the pasta in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf.
Freeze: If you don’t plan to use the fresh pasta within 2 days, you can freeze it for longer storage.
>>Place the pasta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put it in the freezer until it’s firm.
>>Once firm, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for not more than 2 months as advised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Do not dry: Fresh pasta should not be dried like dried pasta. If you want to dry it out slightly before storing it, you can leave it out on a clean towel for a few hours until it’s slightly dry to the touch, but still pliable.
Keep away from moisture: Fresh pasta should be kept away from moisture, which can cause it to spoil quickly. Make sure to store the pasta in a dry place, away from any liquids or condensation.
Use quickly: Fresh pasta is best used as soon as possible after it’s made or purchased for optimal freshness and taste.
Try to use it within 2 days of purchasing or making it for the best results.
Don’t overcook: When cooking the pasta initially, make sure to cook it al dente, or until it’s just tender but still has some bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture when stored and reheated.
By following these tips, you can store your fresh pasta properly and ensure that it stays fresh and delicious for as long as 2 months.
How Long Can You Keep Fresh Pasta?
Fresh pasta can be stored for different amounts of time depending on if it was store-bought or homemade, and whether it is being stored in the fridge or freezer.
For store-bought fresh pasta, it is typically recommended to be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.
In the freezer, fresh pasta will keep for a maximum of two months before it begins to go bad.
It is best to keep the pasta in an airtight container to prevent moisture and odors from affecting its quality. Again, fresh pasta is best eaten as soon as possible for optimal taste and texture.
Why Does My Fresh Pasta Turn GRAY?
If your fresh pasta has turned gray, it’s likely that it has oxidized. Fresh pasta contains egg yolks, which contain a high amount of iron.
When the egg yolks come into contact with air, they react with the iron and cause the pasta to turn gray or even greenish in color.
Exposure to air: If you’ve left your fresh pasta uncovered for an extended period of time, it may have come into contact with air, causing it to oxidize and turn gray.
Overmixing: If you’ve overworked the dough while making the fresh pasta, it can cause the egg yolks to become more exposed to air and oxidize faster, resulting in gray or greenish pasta.
High humidity: If you live in a humid environment, the excess moisture in the air can cause your fresh pasta to turn gray more quickly.
To prevent your fresh pasta from turning gray, here are some tips:
Cover it: Always cover your fresh pasta with a clean towel or plastic wrap while you’re working with it or storing it in the refrigerator.
Store properly: Store fresh pasta in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator, away from any moisture.
Don’t overwork the dough: Mix the dough for your fresh pasta just until it comes together and is smooth. Overworking the dough can cause the egg yolks to become more exposed to air and oxidize faster.
By following these tips, you can prevent your fresh pasta from turning gray and ensure that it stays fresh and delicious for longer.